Volunteer Hero Awards Finalists: Corporate Volunteerism Category

April 4, 2017

Linda Riggs

Anheuser-Busch

Linda Riggs has served at the key contact for the Anheuser-Busch workplace campaign for many years. During her tenure, she has helped generate more than $3 million in support of United Way of Larimer County as well as mobilized hundreds of others in support of our cause. In addition to spearheading the A-B Workplace Campaign, she has played an integral role in assisting United Way with several events held at the Anheuser-Busch Biergarten, including the annual Loyal Contributor and Leadership event, helping United Way to maximize its donor dollars. Furthermore, she has been an important part of the Hops and Hot Rods Car Show, which also raises funds for United Way of Larimer County.

As a large, national corporation, Anheuser-Busch has very specific guidelines that must be complied with. Linda has acted as a critical guide and liaison through this process to ensure that not only the local brewery employees, but also those of Busch Agricultural Resources and American Eagle Distributing are able to leverage the largest match possible from the Anheuser-Busch Foundation. She also helps navigate those who choose to donate through the Political Action Committee (PAC) gifts. She has mobilized hundreds of individuals to donate to United Way and has served as a tireless advocate for our cause.

Serving as a campaign coordinator for a company of this size is a huge undertaking. The fact that Linda served in this role for so many years is a true indication of her dedication and passion for United Way and our work in the community. Linda's absence from Anheuser-Busch will have a significant toll on the campaign and their ability to impact our community.

The Group, Inc.

Northern Colorado is lucky to have The Group, Inc. stewards of our communities. More than 30 local organizations benefit from support and volunteerism from The Group. The generosity from Group partners is unmatched. Groupies have touched the lives of many in our community through their caring hearts and generosity. Whether it be through rebuilding a home destroyed by the floods, buying a wheelchair for a child in need, or "passing the hat" in a meeting that raised several thousand dollars in just a few minutes time, for a family that had a child facing a life threatening illness, The Group has created a culture of caring for those in need, a culture of generosity that inspires us all to give, advocate and volunteer.

On average, each Groupie volunteers over 108 hours annually, collectively over 21,600 hours annually. Christmas on Wheels is an annual event organized and funded by Group staff. Brand new bicycles and helmets are given to children in our community who may have no other opportunity to receive a bike at Christmas. This program has been held for more than 15 years. Most recently they have been given to children of single moms through the local non-profit Project Self-Sufficiency. A Groupie stated, "When disaster strikes, in any form, I am very proud to be a Groupie because of the speed at which we can get help to those that need it immediately. No red tape, politics or bureaucracy. Just people helping people."

The mission of GroupGives is: "We believe every person should have a place to call home. GroupGives supports organizations and programs that promote this belief."